all hikes

Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap

Perfect for a weeklong jaunt, this 38-mile section climbs mountains, winds through deep gaps and passes a short side hike to Standing Indian Mountain, where Indian lore says a bolt of lighting struck a lone Cherokee sentinel and turned him to stone.

Appalachian Trail: Neels Gap to Tesnatee Gap

Start by walking through Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi--the only indoor section of the AT that runs through a stone building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934--and then climb up into Raven Cliffs Wilderness.

Appalachian Trail: Neels Gap to Tesnatee Gap

Appalachian Trail: Tesnatee Gap to Unicoi Gap

This 14.6-mile leg promises long views on Blue Mountain and ends at Unicoi Gap where hikers can find an original 1934 metal AT trail marker.

Appalachian Trail: Tesnatee Gap to Unicoi Gap

This 14.6-mile leg promises long views on Blue Mountain and ends at Unicoi Gap where hikers can find an original 1934 metal AT trail marker.

Appalachian Trail: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap

This leg runs through wild pig country, up Tray Mountain, and past the site of an old cheese factory.

Appalachian Trail: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap

This leg runs through wild pig country, up Tray Mountain, and past the site of an old cheese factory.

Appalachian Trail: Woody Gap to Neels Gap

The hotspot on this 9.8-mile section is Blood Mountain, a 4,450-foot peak where historic battles between the Creek and Cherokee Indians stained the ground red.

Appalachian Trail: Woody Gap to Neels Gap

The hotspot on this 9.8-mile section is Blood Mountain, a 4,450-foot peak where historic battles between the Creek and Cherokee Indians stained the ground red.

Atlanta: Panther Creek Trail

Count five waterfalls--including one of Georgia's most scenic--on this 10.8-miler in Chattahoochee National Forest. Go midweek for more solitude.

Atlanta: Twin Falls Trail

Walk 8.2 miles through blooming rhododendron patches and towering hemlock stands to a double-spouted waterfall in Chattahoochee National Forest.

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Photos + Videos

Editors' Choice 2012: Feathered Friends Spoonbill Sleeping Bag A cozy bag for two	Editors' Choice 2012: Hungry Hikers Murray's Hurried Curry Beat the backcountry blahs with this aromatic curry dish

Life's Short, Hike More!

What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.

Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail

The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.

Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park

Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.

Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park

Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.

Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park

Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.

International Travel

From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad. Powered by:

Navigation Center

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BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App

Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Backpacker Expeditions

Backpacker Expeditions will challenge your outdoor fortitude and indulge your passion for discovery. Powered by:

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